The school's motto "Non sine pulvere palmam" is taken from the Epistles of Horace, the Roman lyric poet. The school's first principal was Miss Amelia Stephens, known to the girls and their parents as "Madam". The School Song is "Non Nobis Domine" and the School Hymn is "Who would true valour see".
The school uniform
In the 1950s, the original uniform was replaced by the current uniform. It is a six-gore, moygashel linen skirt, a white blouse that sits on the hip, the red and black striped tie, casual softer shoes with white socks.
Admission and student tenure
Students enter Form I on the basis of their grades from the Secondary Entrance Assessment examination, which is organized and adjudicated by the Ministry of Education, Trinidad and Tobago. The latter examination is used to facilitate the placement of students in secondary schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The SEA comprises three papers in the subjects of Creative Writing, Mathematics, and Language Arts; it covers the national curriculum for Primary-level education with a focus on Standards 3–5. In adherence to the Ministry of Education's requirements, Bishop Anstey follows the Secondary Education Modernisation Programme Curriculum from Forms 1 to 3. During their fourth and fifth years, students follow the CSEC syllabus in preparation for the Caribbean Examination Council and University of Cambridge GCE Ordinary-Level exams in various subjects, along with a compulsory core of English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. Sixth-form students prepare for, and sit, the Advanced Level CAPE and University of Cambridge GCE exams.
House system
The Houses are now named after the main mountain ranges in Trinidad and Tobago. Today, the Houses' names are: Cerro Aripo , Chancellor , Cumberland , El Tucuche , Tamana , and Trinity . Each House has a Captain and Prefects, and is assisted by a teacher. The school encourages the students to participate in various House activities; these include competitive sports, the Annual Bazaar, and Carnival activities. A student is expected to become an active House member and to wear her House badge.
Activities
Music: The Bishop Anstey High School Choir is composed of 60 BAHS students. In July 2005 and 2007, the Choir performed at the annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. On both occasions there was also a guest performance in London. In 2010, they performed at the Rhapsody's Children Music Festival in Vienna, Prague and Salzburg. In July 2013, following a tour of South Africa, and with the assistance of the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission, the BAHS Choir performed in London. Art: Bishop Anstey High School students won most of the prizes at the Eighth Biennial Art Competition held by Women in Art in collaboration with the National Museum and Art Gallery, under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism and the Ministry of Education. Social engagement: Clubs include - Dragon Boat - Choir - Netball - Football - Film Club - Track and Field - Animal Welfare - Rugby - Asian Culture Club - Cheerleading - Water Polo - Competitive Swimming - Learn to Swim Classes - Spoken Word - Christian Fellowship Club. And many more! Sports: Bishop Anstey High School Sports programs include hockey, netball, taekwondo, volleyball, track and field, dragon boat racing, water polo, football and rugby.
Some Bishop Anstey alumnae (Hilarians)
The following women are among the many recognised as "Bishop's Girls":..
Sybil Atteck - artist.
Pat Bishop - artist, choreographer, ethnomusicologist.
The first BAHS principal was Amelia M. Stephens who was recruited abroad. She was followed by Dorothy Shrewsbury who was recruited abroad. The third principal was also recruited abroad; she was Christine Sutherland]. In the ensuing years, Bishop Anstey principals have been recruited locally. They are:
